A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on the Effects of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) on Acoustic Startle Response in Healthy Subjects

Abstract

Investigations of the pharmacologic profile of medicinal plants have revealed that a number of plants with purported anxiolytic activity bind to cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors. This finding is intriguing in view of the proposed involvement of CCK in the pathophysiology of fear and anxiety. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study was undertaken to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) in healthy subjects. Gotu Kola has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Recent studies in the rat have shown that long-term pretreatment with Gotu Kola decreases locomotor activity, enhances elevated-plus maze performance, and attenuates the acoustic startle response (ASR). In this study, the authors evaluated the effects of Gotu Kola on the ASR in humans. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either a single 12-g orally administered dose of Gotu Kola (N = 20) or placebo (N = 20). The results revealed that compared with placebo, Gotu Kola significantly attenuated the peak ASR amplitude 30 and 60 minutes after treatment. Gotu Kola had no significant effect on self-rated mood, heart rate, or blood pressure. These preliminary findings suggest that Gotu Kola has anxiolytic activity in humans as revealed by the ASR. It remains to be seen whether this herb has therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of anxiety syndromes.

Clinical applications of herbal medicines for anxiety and insomnia; targeting patients with bipolar disorder

“…It is used as a medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine, traditional African medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine. It is thought to inhibit GABA transaminase (Awad et al, 2003) and act on cholecystokinin receptors (Bradwejn et al, 2000). Preclinical studies have demonstrated its anxiolytic effects (Wijeweera et al, 2006).…”

“…Preclinical studies have demonstrated its anxiolytic effects (Wijeweera et al, 2006). In one RCT (Bradwejn et al, 2000), gotu kola inhibited healthy human subjects' acoustic startle responses, indicating its potential effect in reducing stress-related responses. A recent open-label study on patients with GAD showed promising results in reducing anxiety (Jana et al, 2010).…”

Centella asiatica extract selectively decreases amyloid β levels in hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease animal model

“…Centella asiatica improves memory retention in rodents (Nalini et al, 1992;Kumar and Gupta, 2002;Gupta et al, 2003) and increases performance and behavior in mentally retarded children (Appa Rao et al, 1973). Additional uses of Centella asiatica include the promotion of a deep state of relaxation and mental calmness during meditation practices and the alleviation of depression and anxiety when combined with other herbs (Bradwejn et al, 2000).…”

Nano-technology in herbal medicines: A review

“…[52,53,54] 15 Annual mugwort Antimalerial Also used for Asthma Hydrophilic encapsulation. [55,56] 5.…”